Page 24 - Phonebox Magazine October 2016

Newport Pagnell Councillor Corner
Civil War Re-enactment
We would like to congratulate the organisers of the Civil War Re-enactment held on Bury Field on the 28th and 29th August, which was a great success.
Clearly a lot of work was involved putting on such a large event and we are very lucky here in Newport Pagnell to have people willing to give up so much of their time to put on such community events.
More Council Budget Cuts
Over the last five years Milton Keynes Council has cut over £110M and 425 staff, but the Conservative Government is demanding more. The Council has to cut over £20M each year for the rest of this parliament, despite an increase in demand most notably in Adult Social Care due to the fact that we are all living longer. The demand for NHS services is rising for the same reason. Cuts of this scale cannot continue year on year without impacting front line services.
Ten years ago around 75% of the Council’s money came from central government, with only a quarter from the Council Tax, but now the figure from central government has been slashed to only 43%!
This is why residents get less for the Council Tax they pay, as central government funding has plummeted.
The Liberal Democrats will do all we can to protect the most essential services and protect the most vulnerable from the inevitable cuts.
If you agree with us that the government has gone too far with its cuts to public services please do write and complain to your local Conservative MP as he is one of the MPs voting through these cuts in your name.
Silver Street Pavements Resurfaced
Councillor Douglas McCall complained to the Council about the poor state of the pavements in Silver Street, and these have now been resurfaced.
Let there be light
We are into the dark nights and broken street lights are more noticeable. Did you know that Milton Keynes Council no longer scout to look for street lights that are not working in residential streets? So, if you spot a broken street light please report it to the Focus Team with the number off the light and street name.
Cllr Derek Eastman welcomes new 20mph zone.
Cllr Douglas McCall met with developers to save the threatened parking spaces.
Priory Street parking saved
Newport Pagnell South Lib Dem ward councillors met with developers Redrow regarding their proposed plans for the former Aston Martin site in Tickford Street.
The developers have agreed to our request to scrap their plans that would have meant the loss of at least six on street parking places in Priory Street, where parking is already at a premium.
They agreed to our suggestion that the proposed new houses should have their access from inside the site.
The developers have also agreed to Cllr Douglas McCall’s request to make good the pavement in Priory Street, removing the dropped kerb at the old access point.
The planning application is expected to go to the Development Control Committee in October.
Twenty is Plenty
Cllr Derek Eastman, a governor at Green Park School, welcomes the new 20 mph zone outside the school on Green Park Drive. Cllr Eastman said “The safety of pupils is paramount and I welcome the additional safety measure”.
The new speed restriction will be in force when the lights are flashing.
Cllr Paul Alexander encourages residents to report broken street lights.
Follow us online:
Cllr Alexander on http://paulalexander. mycouncillor.org.uk
Cllr McCall on http://douglasmccall. mycouncillor.org.uk
Cllr Eastman on http://derekeastman. mycouncillor.org.uk
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If you need to contact any of the Newport Pagnell South Liberal Democrat Focus Team please e-mail us at NewportSouth@ mklibdems.co.uk
24 Phonebox Magazine | October 2016